For the first time since the outbreak of the Gaza war, the Christmas tree in Bethlehem has been lit once again, marking a cautious but deeply symbolic return of public festivities in the city revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus.
On 6 December 2025, a giant Christmas tree illuminated Manger Square, standing before the ancient Church of the Nativity, whose origins date back to the fourth century. For two consecutive years, all public Christmas celebrations had been cancelled amid the conflict, leaving the city in what residents described as an economic and emotional silence.
“It’s been a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no jobs, no work,” said Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati, reflecting on the devastating impact of the war on a city almost entirely dependent on tourism. With pilgrimages halted and tour groups absent, the local economy had ground to a near standstill.
The decision to resume celebrations was not without controversy. With suffering continuing in Gaza, including among its small Christian community—many of whom have family ties to Bethlehem—some questioned whether it was appropriate to mark the season publicly.
Yet the mayor defended the move as an act of resilience. “Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled,” he said. “This is the light of hope for us.”
As the tree’s red and gold baubles glowed under newly strung lights, residents—Christians and Muslims alike—gathered in the square, posing for photographs and welcoming the first trickle of foreign tourists to return. Christmas bazaars and children’s events have reappeared, offering a glimpse of normality after prolonged hardship.
Local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun described the moment as deeply meaningful. “This is where it all started,” she said. “From here we can send a message to the world of what Christmas should really be about. If Christmas is peaceful this year, I hope it carries a message of peace to everyone.”
Nearby towns, including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour, are also preparing to light their own Christmas trees in the coming days, extending the festive revival across the Bethlehem area.
Hotels that had stood largely empty for two years are beginning to receive bookings, particularly from Palestinian citizens of Israel and a small number of international visitors. For some pilgrims, the absence of crowds has created a different experience.
Angelica, a visitor from Russia on her second pilgrimage, said the quiet had its advantages. “It’s sad without many tourists,” she noted, “but you can see more things without waiting in line for hours.”
Still, many souvenir shops remain quiet, and tour guides linger outside the Nativity Church hoping for a fuller recovery. “This is a tourist city; without tourism there is no life,” said Hamza, a local guide, adding that ongoing media coverage continues to deter visitors despite what he insists is a safe environment.
The festive lights contrast sharply with the economic reality facing many residents. Unemployment has surged since October 2023, when tens of thousands of Palestinian workers from the West Bank were barred from entering Israel for work. Public-sector employees have received only partial salaries from the Palestinian Authority, which says Israel is withholding $1.76 billion in tax revenues.
Israel argues the funds are being held over welfare payments to Palestinian prisoners, while the PA says it has reformed its system under international pressure. Regardless, the impact on families in Bethlehem has been severe.
At the edge of Manger Square, Alaa Salameh, owner of the long-established Afteem falafel restaurant, says many families can no longer afford even modest celebrations. “Christians will try to celebrate,” he said, “but according to their situation.”
Inside the grotto beneath the Nativity Church, worshippers continue to light candles beside the silver star marking the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. With tensions still high across the region, prayers for peace echo through the ancient stone walls.
In Gaza City, similar signs of renewal are emerging. Congregants at the Holy Family Church have begun decorating the church and rehearsing for Christmas Mass, encouraged by a recent ceasefire. For many survivors there, this Christmas carries a profound meaning—not of abundance, but of survival.
As Bethlehem’s Christmas tree shines once more, it stands not only as a symbol of faith, but as a quiet declaration of endurance—an appeal for peace, dignity, and the return of life to the place where the story of Christmas is believed to have begun.
